England vs Iceland audience peaks at 17 million viewers

England's crushing exit from Euro 2016 at the hands of minnows Iceland was watched by an average audience of 15.2 million

England’s defeat at the hands of Iceland drew the biggest TV audience since the side’s loss to Uruguay in the World Cup in 2014.

Almost two-thirds of Monday night’s viewers watched England crash out of Euro 2016 after losing 2-1 to the tiny country in Nice.

Iceland players celebrate after the final whistle during the Round of 16 match at Stade de Nice, Nice, France. — *Iceland players celebrate after the final whistle (Jonathan Brady/PA)*

The match was watched by 15.2 million viewers, giving broadcaster ITV a 60 per cent share of the audience, peaking with 16.9 million viewers and a 62 per cent share in the last five minutes of play.

The broadcaster’s full coverage of the match, with commentary before and after the clash running from 7pm to 10.30pm, was watched by 11 million – providing a 48.1 per cent share.

England's Jamie Vardy (left) and Iceland's Ragnar Sigurdsson battle for the ball during the Round of 16 match at Stade de Nice, Nice, France.

The defeat, branded the worst in England’s history, culminated in the resignation of manager Roy Hodgson.

England manager Roy Hodgson looks dejected on the touchline during the Round of 16 match at Stade de Nice, Nice, France. — *England manager Roy Hodgson looks dejected (Owen Humphreys/PA)*

The match started well, with Wayne Rooney putting his team 1-0 up in the first four minutes, but ended in devastation for England and supporters packing the fan zone at the Place Massena.